Mourners packed a sports arena for the funeral of a Philadelphia police officer fatally shot while trying to stop a video game store robbery.

Thousands of officers in blue dress uniforms stood silently as Officer Robert Wilson III's family entered the Palestra at the University of Pennsylvania Saturday. A large sketch at the arena's entrance of the eight-year department veteran was covered in mourners' signatures.

Authorities say Wilson was shot and killed March 5 when two brothers armed with semi-automatic weapons opened fire inside the store, where he had stopped to buy a gift for his son and conduct a safety check.

The Philadelphia Police Department is renaming its valor medal in Wilson's honor. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey called the officer's actions the greatest act of bravery he has seen in 46 years.

"He never stopped until that fatal round was fired," Ramsey said, standing on a stage above Wilson's open casket.

He added that the slain officer also will receive the department's medal of honor and a posthumous promotion to sergeant.

Wilson is the city's 10th police officer killed in the line of duty in the last nine years. Ramone Williams, 24, and Carlton Hipps, 29, have been charged in the murder.

Police say the 30-year-old father of two was buying a game to reward his son for good grades and for his 10th birthday, which was Monday.

Wilson's partner, Damien Stevenson, who was outside the shop at the time of the robbery, shot one of the suspects in the leg as they attempted to flee.

"I miss my man," Stevenson told mourners. He reminisced about the fun he and Wilson had on patrol in their car, No. 2222, about the time they donned red- and white-striped socks to entertain children at a Ronald McDonald House, and the banter they shared.

Mayor Michael Nutter said that in Wilson's death, the city lost a friend, a brother and an American hero. He recited the names of officers killed over the last nine years and encouraged police officers and residents to bridge the divide that has led to mistrust and violence.

Wilson's death came during an uptick in violence against police officers, with tensions high after the deaths of unarmed men in Ferguson, Mo., and Staten Island, N.Y.

"Thank a law enforcement officer today and every day," Nutter said. "Thank a caring and supportive citizen today and every day. All of our lives matter in this world."